Scoop opened its doors today at London’s Olympia National, welcoming fashion buyers, designers and industry professionals into an inspiring world of carefully curated fashion, creativity and discovery. Returning with its distinctive circus-inspired concept, the SS’27 edition ‘Scoop Comes To Town’ transformed the show floor into an immersive buying destination where exceptional international collections, striking visual storytelling and thoughtfully curated experiences came together to create one of the most inspiring environments in the fashion buying calendar.
From the moment visitors arrived, the atmosphere reflected Karen Radley’s vision for Scoop, a show where creativity and commerce exist side by side, encouraging buyers to slow down, discover something unexpected and engage more deeply with the collections being showcased.
Leading department stores, independent retailers and international buyers were among the first to explore the show, including Biscuit, Hoopers, Le Bon Mache, Press Primrose Hill, Polizzi Collection Shop, Iris, Biscuit Clothing, Anya, Sue Parkinson, Pamela Shiffer, Sisters, Blu, Number Two, Cream.
Throughout the opening day, buyers explored more than 200 premium fashion, accessories and lifestyle collections from across the UK, Europe and beyond, discovering established designers alongside emerging talent selected for their originality, craftsmanship and commercial appeal.
The show’s signature atmosphere came to life through carefully considered design details; circus-top cafés, carnival mirrors, floral and trapeze inspired installations set the scene, with live performances and immersive experience celebrating the creativity at the heart of Scoop. Together, these moments created an inspiring backdrop for considered buying and meaningful conversation, reinforcing Scoop’s reputation as one of the industry’s most distinctive buying destinations.
Adding further depth to the visitor experience, the opening day programme featured the first of Anna Berkeley’s Style Spotlights, where the fashion stylist, Financial Times Fashion columnist and former Selfridges buyer shared her expert edit of the standout collections and key trends shaping the SS’27 season. From delicate lace, vertical stripes and flat front trousers to layers of texture inspired by new season catwalks and footwear designed for flexibility and comfort elevating the hybrid between trainer and ballet flat; the session helped buyers navigate the show’s carefully curated edit. The session drew strong engagement from retailers looking to discover the designers and collections defining the season ahead.
This season also marks Scoop’s landmark partnership with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), bringing the show’s largest-ever collective of Italian designers to Olympia National. The opening day welcomed buyers to the Discover Italy Buyers’ Welcome Reception, introducing the exceptional edit of 32 contemporary Italian designers while celebrating the long-standing relationship between Italian fashion and the UK retail market. Mr Giovanni Sacchi, Director of the Italian Trade Agency London said: “We are proud to see such a strong Italian presence at Scoop and to mark the return of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) to this important event after a ten-year absence. Today is, of course, only the beginning, but we are confident that these three days in London will prove highly productive for our brands. We hope this participation will provide them with an outstanding showcase, offering valuable exposure to British and international buyers and industry professionals alike at one of the UK’s leading events for contemporary fashion.”
The positive atmosphere across the show floor was reflected in conversations with both buyers and designers, many of whom highlighted the quality of the collections, the calibre of visitors and the unique environment that makes Scoop unlike any other fashion trade show.
Pamela Shiffer of Pamela Shiffer commented, “Gorgeousness! Scoop is THE show. It’s beautiful, light and airy and it feels elevated again. I found some new jewellery, picked up a few new designers and have also gone back to a designer I used to stock for some little everyday pieces.”
Aine Corcoran from Sybil in County Louth: “Scoop always has lots to offer, it continuously brings something new. I love the mix of the accessories, clothes and there’s always a nice atmosphere. I come every season, but for SS27 I’ve come predominantly for Italian fashion. I think it works very well in Ireland, both colour-wise and their sizing seems to relate to the Irish well.
I really enjoyed the styling session with Anna Berkeley, it’s great to hear insight that reinforces what we say to customers instore, especially about looking at different designers – what they offer shape wise, and trying to buy specifically for your small independent community. I’m particularly interested in her sizing app, I think it’s something would be nice to offer customers in the shop.”
Becky Furbank owner of Anne Furbank: “Scoop is always so well laid out, so light with plenty of space and the atmosphere reflects onto the designers; everyone is so happy and engaging. I’ve come to see a few before designers we book showroom appointments, and have found a couple of new brands too.”
Across the show, designers also reported a strong opening day, with many welcoming existing customers alongside new retail introductions from across the UK and overseas.
Diane Sykes from Whyci Milano commented: “What a fantastic environment. Everyone is smiling and loving the theme; it’s so bright and colourful. Our customers are commenting on how joyful it is. Opening morning has been particularly good for us, we’re looking forward to the rest of the show.”
Julia Di Serio, Co-Founder of Jolene Agency showcasing a host of jewellery and accessory brands; By Alona, Gas Bijoux, Lescarf, Orelia and Vanessa Baroni commented: “From the moment the doors opened, we’ve been non-stop. The show has been brilliant, and it never feels like a ‘show’. It’s a showroom bringing designers together; the entertainments brilliant, the cafés lovely. It’s just an all-round really nice experience for buyers. If I was buyer, I’d be at Scoop.”
Karen Radley, Founder and Managing Director of Scoop, said: “There is something very special about watching Scoop come to life. Seeing buyers slow down, spend time discovering new collections and have genuine conversations with designers is exactly what this, and every edition of Scoop is for. From the excitement surrounding new designers, our big-top circus installations, Italian partnership and Anna Berkeley’s Style Spotlights to the atmosphere across the show floor, every detail has been designed to inspire. Scoop has always been about creating a beautiful environment where people can discover something unexpected, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see that happening throughout the show today.”
With two further days still to come, visitors can look forward to more Style Spotlights, Behind The Curtain conversations, celebrations of international fashion and further opportunities to discover the exceptional collections, creativity and craftsmanship that define Scoop’s SS’27 edition. www.scoop-international.com.